About Cathures

Cathures is an auditioned chamber choir based in Glasgow, Scotland. We sing a wide variety of music, both sacred and secular, taken from the Renaissance, Baroque and Romantic periods, through to the 21st century. This comprises anything from two to eight part songs, either a capella or with accompaniment. We usually have around 20-25 members (SATB), made up of a diverse range of ages, nationalities and occupations. Rehearsals take place on Tuesday evenings. Our musical director is Raffaele De Giacometti.

In addition to our concert programme, we have engaged in various activities over the last few years. Members of Cathures took part in Barrowland Ballet's production 'The River' for Glasgow Festival 2014, alongside members of The Glad Cafe Choir and Madrigirls. In 2013 we were on-stage at the Tron Theatre, performing in The Events, written by David Greig, presented by Actors Touring Company. Cathures performed at Glasgow School of Art and Scotland Street School as part of the Charles Rennie Mackintosh festival (2006), entering for the first time and winning the Mixed Voice choir category of the Glasgow Music Festival (2007) and recording Auld Lang Syne for the 2009 Edinburgh Hogmanay celebrations.

" ...as far as Cathures... "

The name ‘Cathures’ is part of the long history of the city of Glasgow. In the 4th century, St Ninian is said to have passed through Cathures, a place on the banks of the river Clyde, and dedicated a burial ground. In the 6th century, St Mungo (Glasgow's patron saint, also known as St Kentigern) is said to have journeyed there. Jocelin of Furness, in his twelfth century 'Life of St Kentigern' records how he " ...came by a straight road ... as far as Cathures, which is now called Glasgu ... " Prior to 2006 we were known as Glasgow Renaissance Singers, but chose to change our name and extend our repertoire to include works outside of the Renaissance period.